There Is No Sense in High-Speed Dual-Channel Memory Kits – OCZ.

There is an ongoing fight between a number of premium memory modules manufacturers in terms of clock-speeds. But does anybody need them? OCZ Techology Group, a leading supplier of memory modules, does not think exactly so. Kits that best fit their targeted market segments are needed by the consumer, not record-setting products that may cost like inexpensive computers.

Intel Corp., the world’s largest maker of microprocessors, currently has two platforms: the LGA1366 for high-end systems and the LGA1156 for mainstream computers. The triple-channel LGA1366 platform by definition has higher bandwidth than the LGA1156 one with dual-channel memory controller at almost any reasonable clock-speed. Naturally, ultra high-speed memory modules in dual-channel mode can compete against low-speed triple-channel memory sub-systems. But maybe the rise of clock-speeds will not work efficiently and such modules will be too expensive? Performance gain will be indisputably achieved, but only in the certain cases it will be cost-efficient enough, according to OCZ. Moreover, with the demand towards high memory densities increasing, memory modules with higher capacities will make more sense for users of mainstream platforms.

“We are offering a complete line of memory and it does make sense to make more mainstream parts for the LGA1156 platform. DDR3 1333 and 1600 are just fine for this platform and we are still focused on high density kits because the larger memory volumes are good for 64-bit applications. We still think it makes sense to have more memory than ultra fast lower densities,” said Alex Mei, executive vice-president and chief of marketing operations.

But OCZ is looking ahead and maybe one day the world will see 2.60GHz DDR3 from OCZ designed for dual-channel memory sub-systems.

“If there is demand from our enthusiast consumers we will make it happen,” Mr. Mei concluded.

Discussion

Well, then where are the affordable 12GB triple-channel kits that I have been waiting for since last year? There were promises that 4GB sticks would be widely available by the end of 2009. Hmm, now that OCZ is commenting on how size is better than speed, I'm guessing that DDR3-1600 4GB sticks would finally become commonplace someday very soon.